Preview — Slammed
by Colleen Hoover

Following the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introductioFollowing the unexpected death of her father, 18-year-old Layken is forced to be the rock for both her mother and younger brother. Outwardly, she appears resilient and tenacious, but inwardly, she's losing hope.

Enter Will Cooper: The attractive, 21-year-old new neighbor with an intriguing passion for slam poetry and a unique sense of humor. Within days of their introduction, Will and Layken form an intense emotional connection, leaving Layken with a renewed sense of hope.

Not long after an intense, heart-stopping first date, they are slammed to the core when a shocking revelation forces their new relationship to a sudden halt. Daily interactions become impossibly painful as they struggle to find a balance between the feelings that pull them together, and the secret that keeps them apart....more

Paperback, 312 pages

Published
April 17th 2012
by CreateSpace
(first published January 4th 2012)

This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)[
Layken's fathered died of a heart attack. She was forced to be the rock because her mom worked a lot, she had to take care of Kal-her brother- and…more
Layken's fathered died of a heart attack. She was forced to be the rock because her mom worked a lot, she had to take care of Kal-her brother- and things like that. (less)(hide spoiler)]

I am going to SLAM my review. Not really sure if I SLAMMED it correctly, to be honest. Before I do, I need say this- this book deserves an endless number of stars!

I fell in love with a book by an author Who wrote the most beautifully compelling storyI think I have ever read For realA story of two people struggling to climb a mountain of quicksandWith nothing to grab onto but each others handA story of a heart shattering love And life's winding roadsButThis review was posted at My Secret Romance

I am going to SLAM my review. Not really sure if I SLAMMED it correctly, to be honest. Before I do, I need say this- this book deserves an endless number of stars!

I fell in love with a book by an author Who wrote the most beautifully compelling storyI think I have ever read For realA story of two people struggling to climb a mountain of quicksandWith nothing to grab onto but each others handA story of a heart shattering love And life's winding roadsBut instead of balling up and cryingThey're fighting it with a vengeanceI read a remarkable story That evoked so many different emotions from meSome that were felt at the same timeWhich wasn't funI was lost in the lives of these fictional charactersThat I so desperately wanted to be real

I read a story about a girlA beautiful girl with a big heartA girl who was forced to move to a new townAnd bare the beating of stones life threw at herSome stones left gashes and scarsAnd others that just faded awayBut there was one stone that left a markBy a boyWho she fell madly and deeply in love with

A boy who had the world on top of his shouldersWith responsibilities most could not fathom to comprehendA jerk of a boyA hot boyWho also fell madly and deeply in love with a girlWho he refused to make time forA girl he loved from the moment he laid eyes onBut painfully was forbidden to be with

Emotions are laid bareFor all to seeA new life A big changeAnd a life that will soon sadly be freedKnowing they would be there to wipe away each others' tearsBut the pain felt inside could only be repaired By a boyAnd a girlWho fell madly deeply in love with each otherBut could never be

How do you fight the attractionThe intense chemistry that you feelWhen so much is at stakeOf a love that was slammedBefore it could even took place

Colleen Hoover you rocked my socksAnd made me cryAnd made me feelToo many different things insideThere are things I have ignoredFor long periods of timeAnd things I chose to face one quick step at a timeWhy it is that reading can make us seeThe things we choose not to When faced with realityIt's just words on paper thatShould mean nothingBut in fact they mean everythingHundreds of paper bound by glueOf a story that flew me over the moonThis is a book that I will never forgetOr ever find the proper words To say how much it means to me ButTHANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

This book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review....more

Dhak dhak dhak....do you hear that?That's the sound of my heart beating as I finish the book...

Dhak dhak dhak.....do you hear that?That's the sound of my heart chanting "I wish this would never end".

Shush shush shush....do you hear that?That's the sound of my lips trying to form words enough to express what I feel....Right now I'm thinking I so wish this story was real...

Will made me fall in love with himLake and Julia made me cryKel and Caulder were adorableEddie was like the fourth of july [Dhak dhak dhak....do you hear that?That's the sound of my heart beating as I finish the book...

Dhak dhak dhak.....do you hear that?That's the sound of my heart chanting "I wish this would never end".

Shush shush shush....do you hear that?That's the sound of my lips trying to form words enough to express what I feel....Right now I'm thinking I so wish this story was real...

Will made me fall in love with himLake and Julia made me cryKel and Caulder were adorableEddie was like the fourth of july [ meaning sparkling, full of life....sorry, know you get that :) ]Gavin.....Oh Gavin... "Can I have a 'Pre-Proposal' too?" [Eddie would probably have scratched my eyes out for this or perhaps just laughed at the ridiculousness of it - I'm hoping for the latter ;) ]

It's hard to put my feelings into wordsBut I guess a person run over by a freight train of emotions can't be expected to say everything at onceWords are trying to spew forth out of me in short burstsSo let me tell you a story of a boy and a girlThey meet in a U-haul, they fall in loveThey go on a date playing "would you rather" along the wayHe takes her to a slam and boy does she get slammedSo would you be, so better be prepared.Then comes the part which tears them apartAnd it really does suck and breaks your heart :(They can't be together, yet can't live without each otherTrust me this not just some Quintessential romanceDevastating things get revealed at an alarming rateBut through all of it they are there for each other, always holding hands.

Perhaps I have not been able to express anything in a coherent wayBut don't expect me to because I'm discombobulated and it'll be a miracle if I find my way to Sleep land

And anyway that's not the pointThe point is.....It's easy to have books in your lifeEver wanted to have life in your books?Well then all you need to do is get Slammed

Don't take life too seriously. Punch it in the face when it needs a good hit. Laugh at it. And Never regret....more

MOVIE NEWS!!! ---> Both SLAMMED and POINT OF RETREAT have been optioned by a MOVIE producer!!!!!!!

WOW! 6 stars!! What a beautiful and powerful book! Definitely a MUST read!!

I loved this book for so many reasons... I loved that Will and Lake were wonderfully refreshing hero and heroine characters because they were realistic, smart, not annoying in any way and didn't make stupid decisions. I loved the author's writing style - its very simple but very powerful and its one of those books tha MOVIE NEWS!!! ---> Both SLAMMED and POINT OF RETREAT have been optioned by a MOVIE producer!!!!!!!

WOW! 6 stars!! What a beautiful and powerful book! Definitely a MUST read!!

I loved this book for so many reasons... I loved that Will and Lake were wonderfully refreshing hero and heroine characters because they were realistic, smart, not annoying in any way and didn't make stupid decisions. I loved the author's writing style - its very simple but very powerful and its one of those books that really makes you feel what is going on with the characters.

I was completely and utterly shocked to find that I loved the Slam poetry. Boy is it powerful (I know I've used that word a lot here but it seems to be the best of that fits what I'm feeling). I've always hated poetry - was never able to absorb it or relate to it but in this book, it is so effecting in giving the reader a view of what is going on in the characters' head and heart.

I loved the intensity of Will and Lake's feelings for each other. I had butterflies in my stomach for most of the book and could stop turning the pages.

This book brought me to tears more than once. And my cheeks were damp throughout the whole final 10% or so. Loved it!!!

This book is about love and loss and life and death (not the death of the hero/heroine though, fear not lol).

I'd highly highly recommend it to pretty much anyone and everyone who loves to read. Now I understand what all the fuss was about - everywhere I looked here, people were raving about it and now I'm joining that club!

I'm off to go read the sequel now - I can't wait to read more about Will and Lake...

Here's a slam quote:

I got schooled this year by a Boy. a boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love with. And he taught me the most important thing of all ... To put the emphasis On life.

Wanted to love it, but this is not my kind of romance. Not even for a YA romance.

SLAMMED was angsty teenage love story with a heart wrenching sub-plot, but the heroine made it a very disappointing read. I expected a more mature minded heroine, not an overly emotional girl who thinks a mad boy crush after one date is the 'real thing'. The whole high school giggly student bit was a turn off for me.

I liked Will a lot, and thought his maturity and love for poetry was well portrayed, but I didn't geWanted to love it, but this is not my kind of romance. Not even for a YA romance.

SLAMMED was angsty teenage love story with a heart wrenching sub-plot, but the heroine made it a very disappointing read. I expected a more mature minded heroine, not an overly emotional girl who thinks a mad boy crush after one date is the 'real thing'. The whole high school giggly student bit was a turn off for me.

I liked Will a lot, and thought his maturity and love for poetry was well portrayed, but I didn't get the connection with Layken. She made dumb choices, said dumb comments, put him at risk, and made everything be about her. Personally, I thought the author did a great job of developing a typical 18 y/o girl, but it only emphasized her lack of maturity as a lead heroine.

This would have worked for me in a more adult setting, but the the teenage angst was over done. At times she was a drama queen only focused on herself, and she had no concept of how others felt. Then other times shes a silly giggly high schooler. Either way, I didn't buy her as a convincing heroine.

The subplot was very good and emotional, but it was great wallpaper only. The romance needs to stand on its own, not be carried by a secondary storyline.

SLAMMED is a teenage girl fantasy romance story, so it doesn't surprise me at how popular it is. But I'd prefer to read about more mature minded couples falling in love, so this one didn't cut it for me. ...more

Gaby SouzaAlthough I absolutely loved this book I agree with you a bit. However,sometimes looking beyond the characters can help you just to focus on what the mAlthough I absolutely loved this book I agree with you a bit. However,sometimes looking beyond the characters can help you just to focus on what the message behind it really is. I also think Lake acted childish at some poits but maybe thats the point of the book, she is a 18 year old,thats how most teenagers act anyways, but Will is 21 officially an adult,but what makes him act mature is not his age but the circunstances in life that forced him to grow up.Who could tell that if the situation in his family were different he wouldnt be just as childish as Lake? And in the end the situation she had to face is what would turn her from just a teenager to a mature woman. :-) That is just how I see things. ps.forgive my English.Not my first language....more
Aug 18, 2014 07:01PM

Wow! I can’t believe I’m only allowed to give this book five stars. It affected me on so many levels. I mean, gut-wrenching, sobbing, tears streaming down my face affected me…and I’m not a crier. It touched my soul. It was filled with not only everything I was looking for, but everything I needed—-romance, heartache, poetry, beauty, humor, friendship, family and love, so much love that it hurt my heart!

This book is so much more than a love story. It’s packed with important life lessons. If you’vWow! I can’t believe I’m only allowed to give this book five stars. It affected me on so many levels. I mean, gut-wrenching, sobbing, tears streaming down my face affected me…and I’m not a crier. It touched my soul. It was filled with not only everything I was looking for, but everything I needed—-romance, heartache, poetry, beauty, humor, friendship, family and love, so much love that it hurt my heart!

This book is so much more than a love story. It’s packed with important life lessons. If you’ve ever lost someone, loved someone, needed someone or wanted someone, this book will affect you, too. I am awed and inspired. I read this on my ereader, but I’m getting it in paperback too. I need to pass it around to my friends. I need to dog-ear the pages. I need to highlight words and phrases. I need to share it with my children. This may be my favorite read this year! I can’t recommend it enough!...more

Slam poetry plays a major role in Colleen Hoover's "Slammed." So instead of the traditional way, I present you my attempt at a simple poetic review. Note: "Schooled" is originally written by Layken Cohen, the main female character in this book.

"Schooled"

I got schooled this yearBy fictional charactersBy a beautiful storyBy a book

I got schooled this yearBy Layken, Will, Julia, Kel, and EddieThey taught me to accept death and lifeThat it'll get in our way and we have to be readyThey taught me to laSlam poetry plays a major role in Colleen Hoover's "Slammed." So instead of the traditional way, I present you my attempt at a simple poetic review. Note: "Schooled" is originally written by Layken Cohen, the main female character in this book.

"Schooled"

I got schooled this yearBy fictional charactersBy a beautiful storyBy a book

I got schooled this yearBy Layken, Will, Julia, Kel, and EddieThey taught me to accept death and lifeThat it'll get in our way and we have to be readyThey taught me to laugh, love, hope, and cryThat someday, the hardships and heartaches will all come in handy

I got schooled this yearBy a story of romance with a great depth to itIt taught me to use both my head and my heartTo balance and treat the two of them as a unitIt taught me to be open-minded and smartTo ask myself a few questions before I commit

I got schooled this year..By "Slammed"

As much as I don't wish to provide further details (to avoid making a very long review), I think I have to write the part that I feel so strongly about:

"I slide into the bed beside my mother and wrap my arms around her. She finds my hand and we interlock fingers as we talk without saying a single word."

I won't lie, I cried so hard at this. My mom and I used to do the same thing when I was a kid. How many times did someone tell us to treasure our mother, or parents in general, while they're still alive? And how many times did we shrug and ignore it?

Do they have to be dying before we relive the old days? The good old days when they're the most important person/s in our lives and not our social shits or boyfriends or girlfriends?

You know what? We're going to spend our lives with our husband/wife LONGER than we have with our parents. Love them with all you got and don't half-ass it.

So you see, this amazing book made me experience a spectrum of emotion! And yes, it absolutely "schooled" me.I highly-recommend!! :)...more

First of all I must say that I LIKED the slamming (I don't mean the doors, I'm talking about the poetry). Sorry, couldn't resist. I would rate that with four stars.

Up to the 35 % mark it was nice, it was good, it was ok even though it didn't knock my socks off. I've had a few minor issues but nothing too annoying. Unfortunately a lot went downhill after that update and too many things--and especially a HIGHLY annoying and juvenile bitch--compromised the boo2 stars.**Review posted August 11, 2013

First of all I must say that I LIKED the slamming (I don't mean the doors, I'm talking about the poetry). Sorry, couldn't resist. I would rate that with four stars.

Up to the 35 % mark it was nice, it was good, it was ok even though it didn't knock my socks off. I've had a few minor issues but nothing too annoying. Unfortunately a lot went downhill after that update and too many things--and especially a HIGHLY annoying and juvenile bitch--compromised the book for me. So I feel kinda like this at the moment…

I have read enough books that I know what I like. Personally, the biggest letdown for me was the writing. As I mentioned already I liked the slamming; that was lovely. However, the writing in general is average at best, and after reading and loving Leah Raeder's Unteachable, I must say that Colleen Hoover's writing is not even average. Also, some parts of Slammed are too cheesy. Hence, it's safe to say that I belong to the little corner of readers who didn't enjoy Slammed, and I honestly don't understand what's so magical about this book. Before Slammed I've read God-Shaped Hole and I "only" rated it with four stars. Compared to Slammed, God-Shaped Hole deserves five stars--especially the second half of the book. Besides, some of the really awesome books that I've read deserve probably seven, eight, nine or ten stars--always compared to Slammed. As it is, my range is very limited. Thus, I cannot give more than 2 stars to Slammed. Sorry guys.

There is way too much manufactured drama in Slammed. Lake lost her father six months ago, (view spoiler)[and her mother is dying too. She passes away at the end of the story, although it happens off page. (hide spoiler)] The boy next door (Will) lost his parents three years ago and has to raise his brother on his own. And, since he is her teacher, they cannot see each other and that causes more drama throughout the entire plot. Crying here and crying there…*rolls eyes*

Will openly flirting with Lake and actually hitting on her right off the bat kind of surprised me, and I felt it was too quick. They see each other for the first time and wham…within a couple of hours both of them were smitten. I didn't really buy that. Yet they don't do the deed at all. Now that sure as hell didn't add up for me. Although the initial chat-up was too fast, I would like to drive an important point home. I didn't want them to wait for more than 700 (?) pages until they hit the sheets. In fact, it's contradictory and irritating as all get out to let them eat each other up right from the beginning without getting them to fourth base within the first book. Contrived build-up, much? Ugh.

The heroine is calling Will all kinds of not so nice names. She is playing the immature hurt little girl who is slamming the door on a regular basis. Very childish and ridiculous. Lake, my seven-year-old son is pretty well-versed when it comes to slamming doors. I'm sure he could give you some pointers how to improve your technique.

Although I must cut her some slack because if Will had been a woman I would have called him a freaking cock tease!! There I said it and I feel better already. Friendly advice, Will, you can shove sentences like "I had a weak moment. I'm sorry." or "It won't happen again, I swear." (and then it happens again and again) up your ass! On the other hand, it doesn't excuse the heroine's juvenile and annoying behavior. Another issue that I had was Will kissing Lake on her forehead. Every time he did that I had to roll my eyes. And what annoyed the living daylights out of me was the fact that Will (view spoiler)[knocked What's His Name? on his ass out of PURE jealousy and NOT because he sexually assaulted Layken. (hide spoiler)]

Certain plot twists are the same ole same ole and so overdone it's not even funny anymore.Is there a sign saying "Do not engage your brain. Turn it off and jump to conclusions because it's so good to throw a temper tantrum later while bawling your eyes out." And to put emphasis on your disapproval you need to storm off and slam your door shut (yes, I know, I have mentioned that already but it bears repeating). Wow. Now that makes you oh-so mature! It didn't make me happy, though. If anything, it's incredibly boring and such behavior is getting on my very last nerve.

That's me…I've got a headache…

I can't help it but an extensive part of Slammed reads like a teenager's diary filled with puppy love and family drama. The book goes straight on my shelf books-everyone-loved-but-baba where it will gather some dust. I'm calling it quits coz I have no intention whatsoever to torture myself by reading Point of Retreat. Some readers told me that Lake would drive me nuts because she is assuming stuff all the time. Non-verbal communication, much? In fact, she acts worse in Point of Retreat than in Slammed. Nope, not going there. I want to stay sane and healthy. Onwards...

P.S. I just hope that Will will get some in book 2 otherwise he's going to die of blue balls. I have been informed there won't be any sex in the sequel either.

Don't take life too seriously. Punch it in the face when it needs a good hit. Laugh at it.

Inspiring! I am genuinely floored by the brilliance of this book! I adored every single one of these amazing characters and the way they were so realistically portrayed. The unique plot, the bitter-sweet tension, and the tender romance all had me mesmerized...but I won't further digress on these elements, as I'm sure they will clearly speak for themselves...

What I do want to shine a light upon is the breDon't take life too seriously. Punch it in the face when it needs a good hit. Laugh at it.

Inspiring! I am genuinely floored by the brilliance of this book! I adored every single one of these amazing characters and the way they were so realistically portrayed. The unique plot, the bitter-sweet tension, and the tender romance all had me mesmerized...but I won't further digress on these elements, as I'm sure they will clearly speak for themselves...

What I do want to shine a light upon is the breathtaking wisdom that abundantly graced these pages and made its way to not only my heart, but deep within--resonating with my soul. (And I'm not only referring to the ingenious Avett Brothers quotes!)

This book was more than a love story. It was more than clever entertainment. It took every wonderful element I long for in a story and set it into motion through what felt like a song. It showed that grief, happiness, love, and loss are are all emotions that can coexist so long as there is acceptance and appreciation for what IS. The slam poetry was phenomenal, but it was not the only lyrical aspect. The entire story flowed methodically like music—occasionally changing rhymes, but never reason.

I've never cried so intensely while reading a book—honestly, and for various reasons. Who knew I could feel so utterly heartbroken, enlightened, and peaceful at the same time without becoming conflicted.

Slammed was an extraordinary read that had POWER is in its simplicity. This was NOT a preachy book. Not in the least, and still, I felt that every piece of me had been thoroughly schooled by its wisdom. There was not a single message conveyed that was not backed up by a stunning example played out by the characters. It was as if the author said--I can tell you my idea of peace, love, and happiness, but I'd much rather show you...

Through poetry, and pain, happiness and shame, family ruins and pink balloons; by acceptance of strife—we're shown how to emphasize the LIFE in our lives.

I am conducting what I'm shelving as a "New Adult (NA) Experiment". I'm going to work my way through some of the popular New Adult books and see if I can weed out the crap and hopefully find some surprising gems. Here's hoping!

It's been a while, my friends. I had to take a break for the sake of my sanity. I decided to return to the NA experiment with Slammed because I'd heard it was less offensive than Hoover's later novel - Hopeless - and also because I've had luck with a NA student/teacher romI am conducting what I'm shelving as a "New Adult (NA) Experiment". I'm going to work my way through some of the popular New Adult books and see if I can weed out the crap and hopefully find some surprising gems. Here's hoping!

It's been a while, my friends. I had to take a break for the sake of my sanity. I decided to return to the NA experiment with Slammed because I'd heard it was less offensive than Hoover's later novel - Hopeless - and also because I've had luck with a NA student/teacher romance in the past (Unteachable). Alas, I was wrong to be so optimistic. I suppose that Slammed is less offensive when compared to the creepy pro-stalker ideas being thrown around in Hopeless but it certainly makes up for it by being an example of terrible writing. Where Hopeless offered entertainment and sexual tension that made it obvious where its popularity came from, I am honestly confused by all the positive reactions to Slammed.

I do think if I'd read this book first I might have at least appreciated the improvement in quality of the author's writing by the time she wrote Hopeless. In this, Hoover's writing is a couple steps below average and looks even less impressive when compared to the fantastic teacher/student romance in Unteachable (and it's beautiful writing). The author struggles with the build-up of the relationship between Layken and Will, forgetting about sexual tension and/or chemistry and jumping too quickly from their meeting to some extremely cheesy moments. The drama is constant but handled roughly - making scenes that should be heart-breaking feel emotionally manipulative and causing me to roll my eyes rather than to burst into tears.

Both characters, as well as the book in general, lack any emotional maturity. Layken frequently behaves like a bratty little kid, slamming doors and calling Will names. I really had no patience for her childish antics. Though, Will wasn't much better. He would constantly lead Layken on and then blame it on a moment of weakness. More than once.

It was cringy and stupid because the reader is well aware that it wasn't a moment of weakness and that he actually wants to be with Layken but he's being an immature idiot and not to mention a complete fucking tease. Just sayin'.

Aside from the writing being awful, the real problem in this for me was the failure to convince me that there was any real barrier to Layken and Will's relationship. Perhaps it was because their ages were too close to give me any sense of the forbidden or because Will wasn't exactly a "real" teacher, but nothing about it got my heart pounding like Raeder's Unteachable. It seemed more like there was no problem except the one the two of them created in their little melodramatic minds. Angst for the sake of angst. But I wasn't buying it. I think it's fair to say that me and Ms Hoover finally part ways for good....more

Emily MayVane wrote: "What are some of the messages? I'm not planning on reading any of her books (except Never, Never and maybe Confess), so it's not as if yoVane wrote: "What are some of the messages? I'm not planning on reading any of her books (except Never, Never and maybe Confess), so it's not as if you're spoiling me. :)"

Sorry, I missed your comment before. I didn't like the way she justified stalking/controlling behaviour by having the guy be "beautiful" in Hopeless. Plus, all her books are about virginal good girls getting the guy and sluts being evil bitches....more
Mar 20, 2015 03:53PM

RosaI ended up kind of liking the book by the end but OH MY GOD you are so right. Will wasn't even a real teacher and he was a senior while Layken was a fI ended up kind of liking the book by the end but OH MY GOD you are so right. Will wasn't even a real teacher and he was a senior while Layken was a freshman and I just don't see why they couldn't just keep it on the DL until Layken graduated? And Will blaming everything on a moment of weakness...like oh my god calm down just be honest and actually talk things out. I also felt like adding the mom's cancer to the book was like even more unnecessary angst? I think Will and Layken were both incredibly immature and the fact that they end up raising kids together??? Also everyone aside from Will has a super weird name. BUT! One thing! Layken's best friend whose name is totally escaping me-but her! She was fabulous and the scene with her foster dad and the red balloons made me cry....more
Apr 30, 2015 06:31PM

I hated this book. JUST KIDDING! Let's start with Lake (I feel like I can call her Lake since I know her so well). Many authors-huge, famous authors-write characters that make me roll my eyes...scrunch up my nose...close the book and not miss them-EVER. Lake was not one of those characters. She was literary flesh and bone. She was "cool" and funny and deep. Most of all, I believed she was eighteen. We all know what Will was, so I won't go there.

Maybe I WILL

I want him

You know what else I want? AI hated this book. JUST KIDDING! Let's start with Lake (I feel like I can call her Lake since I know her so well). Many authors-huge, famous authors-write characters that make me roll my eyes...scrunch up my nose...close the book and not miss them-EVER. Lake was not one of those characters. She was literary flesh and bone. She was "cool" and funny and deep. Most of all, I believed she was eighteen. We all know what Will was, so I won't go there.

Maybe I WILL

I want him

You know what else I want? Accolades for another rising Indie author that wrote a novel better than 99.9% of the novels on the shelves. The writing was flawless. Her characters were perfectly imperfect (hello Layken and Eddie giggling and making Chuck Norris jokes in detention).

I am a notorious book snob. I read only the best, I recommend only the best. I cannot say enough about both the creativity, originality and depth of Slammed. A book that surely rises above all of its competition and SLAMS them in the face. I would urge Colleen Hoover to contact Stepehenie Meyer and perhaps offer her some lessons on character development and plot structuring. I would urge Colleen Hoover to keep writing stories and creating characters for those of us who are death to sick of boring, insipid characters (see I'm so clever).

Or maybe Colleen is the clever one, because this book has set itself so far apart authors will be trying to catch it for years.

There comes a time in life when you read, feel, or hear something and wordsCannot not describe the emotions, thoughts or actions it brings out of you. There comes a time in life when you feel inspired to do something that it is you've never done before,Experience things you never thought you could do. There comes a time in your life when against all odds you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,And that you will make it out okay. Breathing, living, crying, screaminThere Comes a Time

There comes a time in life when you read, feel, or hear something and wordsCannot not describe the emotions, thoughts or actions it brings out of you. There comes a time in life when you feel inspired to do something that it is you've never done before,Experience things you never thought you could do. There comes a time in your life when against all odds you know there is a light at the end of the tunnel,And that you will make it out okay. Breathing, living, crying, screaming, yelling, smiling. There comes a time in life when you know that no matter what happens, you can still look back,And say you gave it your all. In today’s world, it seems like nothing will turn around for the better as we sit and wait and become bitter.In life you find things that are astounding. In every way imaginable and every way you can see. Things that are life changing in the best way possible. Things that you can only describe with the most vivid of words and actions. There comes a time in life when you say no matter what, at the end of the day I gave it my all.Knowing that there is peace within you and with all that surrounds you. There comes a time in life when you smile because you know, at that time life is everything you wanted it to be but never thought that it could. Shouting from the rooftops the joy that you have inside and wanting to share it with the world. There comes a time in life when all is at it should be and you turn around, look at yourself and know that this is what you were meant for.....MLD

...And that time came for me throughout the entirety of this book. I cannot remember the last time I was so touched, so inspired, so intrigued, so consumed with a book as I was with Slammed. The slam poetry was utterly brilliant and the story to go along with it was damn near perfection.

Layken (aka Lake) is an eighteen year old who has just moved away from everything she's ever known as "home" after her fathers sudden death. She needs and tries so hard to be the rock that her little brother, Kel, and mother can lean on. On moving day, she meets her neighbors from across the street, Will and his little brother, Caulder. It was pretty much love at first sight...for the little brothers as well. I loved the dynamics of the kids' relationship. How easy it is to just accept and be happy at that age...

Will asks Lake on a date and it's unlike any typical date she's been on before. None of the boring questions about how many siblings, dogs, cats, etc.. Then he brings her to a Slam session. She is thoroughly enjoying herself and begs him to do a slam for her, he volunteers, does his slam and the rest is history...

Three days ago, I was devastated, bitter, and hopeless. Today I woke up feeling happy for the first time in months.

Will did that for Lake, in all the months that had passed and while her unhappiness began to consume her, he helped her to see life in a different way...

...Then a devastating revelation happens....and then another, and you think to yourself, WHY??? Why can't everything just be okay?!...

Throughout the course of the book, Lake and Will had to face some of the toughest obstacles any two people could ever or should ever have to face. I would like to think that Lake's best friend Eddie helped to keep her grounded, she was one of my favorite characters in the book; her joy leaped off of the pages to me and I found myself smiling every time she would give off her words of wisdom...

This book had me going through so many emotions. I had a lot of ups and downs, tears of sorrow and tears of contentment, grins and frowns. My heart beat rapidly at times for the hope of a solution and beat rapidly at times for the nervousness of what was to come...

So many adversities to overcome, so many issues to work through, so many questions of priority. Through poetry so much is revealed of how one copes with things, deals with feelings; pouring their soul out to a captive audience. Why? Because it speaks volumes:

The ways these poets are able to lure you into a whole new world, viewing things from a vantage point you've never seen before. Making you feel like you are the mother who lost her baby, or the boy who killed his father, or even the man who got high for the first time...

This was so much more than a book to me, it put so many things into perspective, it touched me on a deeper level. At the first slam, I knew this would be one of my favorite books of all time, now that I'm done? I'm glad to see that I was right! I would give this book WAY more than 5 stars if GR would let me, but for now, know that I absolutely LOVED this book and am excited to read more of Layken and Will's story in the sequel! In closing, I will leave you with this...

Be accepting of everything. People's differences, their similarities, their choices, their personalities. Sometimes it takes a variety to make a good collection....more

FredSigh ... your review is perfection! I think I "get" books when I read them, but you are able to put that "getting" into beautiful words, thanks ProfesSigh ... your review is perfection! I think I "get" books when I read them, but you are able to put that "getting" into beautiful words, thanks Professora!...more
Dec 29, 2012 08:43AM

MelissaFred wrote: "Sigh ... your review is perfection! I think I "get" books when I read them, but you are able to put that "getting" into beautiful words,Fred wrote: "Sigh ... your review is perfection! I think I "get" books when I read them, but you are able to put that "getting" into beautiful words, thanks Professora!"

So I promised myself I wouldn't use some cheesy play on the word slammed, but daaaaaamn this book not only slammed me right out of my book slump but slammed me into total Colleen Hoover submission!! I confess I wasn't slammed right away. In fact, I was devistated. Utterly disappointed and totally convinced this was going to be another generic romance that happens way too quickly....

So I promised myself I wouldn't use some cheesy play on the word slammed, but daaaaaamn this book not only slammed me right out of my book slump but slammed me into total Colleen Hoover submission!! I confess I wasn't slammed right away. In fact, I was devistated. Utterly disappointed and totally convinced this was going to be another generic romance that happens way too quickly....

I was wrong! Wrong. Wrong. WRONG!!! The turning point for me was the plot shocker and shock me it did. My mouth was slammed wide open with complete surprise. I love it when I don't see it coming. The story was transformed into a heartshattering, heartbreaking, and passionate story of love, loss, turmoil and a whole lot of other stuff. It was an emotional rollercoaster gone wild!!!

This is usually where I talk about the characters I loved, didn't love, or loved to hate, but I can't. I loved them all. You don't just fall for Layken and Will's relationship you fall for every single one! Her relationship with her mom, her brother. Will's relationship with his brother...Relationship-fest 2012!!!! I'm in love...with EVERYONE!!

I instantly dove right into Point of Retreat without even coming up for air. I laughed, I cried, I became sexual frustrated!! I never saw this series coming, but it slammed into me with such force all I can say is read the book!!

If you're in a reading slump, and you want to try something genuinely unique, unlike anything else out there - here's your book. It sneaks up on you, starting out with one girl (Layken) missing one parent (check). Add quirky little brother (check) and an unwanted move cross country, because of a parental job transfer (check). She arrives at her new destination, and immediately meets cute, charming guy (Will - double check).

What you don't realize is that this is the end of what you expected. You'If you're in a reading slump, and you want to try something genuinely unique, unlike anything else out there - here's your book. It sneaks up on you, starting out with one girl (Layken) missing one parent (check). Add quirky little brother (check) and an unwanted move cross country, because of a parental job transfer (check). She arrives at her new destination, and immediately meets cute, charming guy (Will - double check).

What you don't realize is that this is the end of what you expected. You're about to be sucked into a vortex of slam poetry and Avett Brothers lyrics - one or both of which you may not have ever heard of, and you might therefore assume (as I assumed about vodka + Red Bull shots and the dueling piano bar last weekend) that you won't like it. I was wrong, and so are you.

I honestly don't want to tell you any more. Just go read it already. And when you hit that point at about 20% or so that makes you go, "OMFG!" - that's your departure point, right there. Strap in and put your trey in the upright position. Oh, and prepare to buy the sequel (which is out now - lucky you!), because you're gonna want it. As. Soon. As. You. Finish. Reading....more

I just read this whole thing on a plane and WOW. This is one of the best contemporaries I've read in a long time. I was wary of this book because it's new adult, but I really, really enjoyed it. Having older characters was a nice change and the story was seriously so fast and addicting. *flies to Amazon to order sequel*

I haven't been reading much lately; I've been busy writing my sequel. Slammed is the first book I've been able to read in almost seven months and it's not my typical read.

In all honesty, I don't usually read YA books because they usually don't have any sex in them. I read Colleen Hoover's, Slammed, because she took a HUGE chance recommending my dark erotica to her mainstream audience. I appreciate the hell out of that.

So, what did I think?

At first, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book - tI haven't been reading much lately; I've been busy writing my sequel. Slammed is the first book I've been able to read in almost seven months and it's not my typical read.

In all honesty, I don't usually read YA books because they usually don't have any sex in them. I read Colleen Hoover's, Slammed, because she took a HUGE chance recommending my dark erotica to her mainstream audience. I appreciate the hell out of that.

So, what did I think?

At first, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the book - that's just me being honest. I thought it hugged the romance 'formula' a little too much for my taste. I admit, I might have walked in with that preconceived notion. However, as I kept reading, I found myself connecting with the emotions in the book. I loved the poetry. I loved the message.

SPOILER ALERT!

My dad past away several years ago. I don't like to think about it. I don't like to read about death and how to cope. I'm more of a push your emotions down into your stomach until they make you sick type of girl - lol. I cried when Layken found that barrette. I find things sometimes and I just sit there and stare.

I empathized with the anger the characters felt over the eventuality of Layken's mother's prognosis. My dad was diagnosed with cancer and was told he would live 6 months. He lived 6 years, but the time never seemed like enough. Also, I was angry about the fact he kept drinking after he was diagnosed. I felt like he was doing it on purpose - shaking his fist at my anger and grief.

I understood Will and Layken's acceptance. Once my father died, I realized he had lived his life the way HE wanted. He deserved that. Everyone deserves to go their own way. I am still here. I have to find my own way. I forgave him a long time ago.

By the end of this book, I was in tears and thinking about my dad, but more than that, I was thinking, 'Colleen Hoover deserves every ounce of her success'. She has written something very special. Like any author worth a shit - she parted with a piece of her soul. I take it with me.

When something bad happens is not easy to move on.If you dont have someone by your side then you are stuck in your misery.If he leaves you , then what?

Lake“Push your boundaries, that's what they're there for.”

Lake is trying to move on.Her father's death costed her a lot and like that wasnt enough she has to move in a new town because of her mum's job.She is hopeless , being the new girl is never easy.However she never thought that would meet someone like Will Coo“Imperfections define perfection”

When something bad happens is not easy to move on.If you dont have someone by your side then you are stuck in your misery.If he leaves you , then what?

Lake“Push your boundaries, that's what they're there for.”

Lake is trying to move on.Her father's death costed her a lot and like that wasnt enough she has to move in a new town because of her mum's job.She is hopeless , being the new girl is never easy.However she never thought that would meet someone like Will Cooper.

Will“Life wants you to fight it.Learn how to make it your own. ”

Will has faced the cruel side of life.He is a guy that was forced to grow up and take care of his younger brother.His salvation is slam poetry where he can express his emotions freely.As Lake's neighbour they start knowing each other. (view spoiler)[Not really well though. (hide spoiler)]

Will and Lake unwittingly are falling for each other in love without knowing that their love is forbidden.

Will has to make a decisionLIFE OR LOVE

Given the circumstances he cant be selfish.Hurting her on the other hand is not a solution.Lake is trying to find a lophole but he is shutting her out of his life.

I keep telling myself That I'll be fine You cant make everybody Happy all the time

They are both comfused and they cant forget each other but being friends is better than avoiding each other like plague.

Will is always there for her as she needs someone to comfort her.Lake's life does only get worse because the tragedies in her family have no end.

I used to love the oceanEverything about her ...Well would you realizeLike I eventually realizedThat all the good things about her?All the beautifulIt's not realIt's fakeSo you can keep the oceanI'll take the Lake

I enjoyed this book so much.This story captivated me a lot and made me jealous of Lake.(view spoiler)[Her teacher is hot when mine always looked like this

(hide spoiler)]I couldnt predict what I will happen and I was shocked many times.I admire a lot Will.He is a good example to everyone.I also loved their younger siblings.Those litlle monsters stole my heart.

“I got schooled this year by a boy.

A boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love with. And he taught me the most important thing of all...

VildaLove your review, Kristina! Not sure if I've heard of this before, but you sure made me curious now. It definitely sounds good and I'm real glad you lLove your review, Kristina! Not sure if I've heard of this before, but you sure made me curious now. It definitely sounds good and I'm real glad you liked it. :D *goes to check out*...more
updated
May 11, 2013 03:45PM

This was such a moving story! I couldn't put this down once I started reading.

Eighteen year-old Layken, or Lake, has just moved to Michigan from Texas. Her father has just died six months earlier and her mother moves them there because she gets a good job offer and they can no longer afford their house. Immediately after pulling up with the moving van, Lake meets the neighbor across the street, Will, and his little brother Caulder. He's a few years older than Lake, and in her eyes, "hot." CauldThis was such a moving story! I couldn't put this down once I started reading.

Eighteen year-old Layken, or Lake, has just moved to Michigan from Texas. Her father has just died six months earlier and her mother moves them there because she gets a good job offer and they can no longer afford their house. Immediately after pulling up with the moving van, Lake meets the neighbor across the street, Will, and his little brother Caulder. He's a few years older than Lake, and in her eyes, "hot." Caulder and Lake's younger brother, Kel are fast friends, playing the minute Kel jumps out of the moving van. Lake is happy that at least this move won't suck for her little brother. Although things start looking up for Lake when Will asks her out on a date.

Will is so different from most guys and so forward. It shocks Lake a little. Their first date is different and in my opinion, amazing! He takes her to a poetry slam which before reading this, I had no idea what it was. It's where people get up in front of an audience and perform a piece of poetry they've written. It's not typical poetry, more like a soul-bearing piece, written and then performed. She's is mesmerized by the first performance and then when Will gets up and performs his, she's a goner! She is taken by him and falls hard, and fast. And he's fallen hard for her, too. Here's a quote from that night that gives me shivers: "Patience." he whispers. You don't think that's much? Wait until you read the scene! Lake discovers she has a lot in common with Will. Unfortunately straight after this date, they discover a block to their relationship and have to keep apart. Here's a heartbreaking quote for you:

"God Layken. How do you do it?" she says. "How do I do what?" I sniff as I continue to wipe the tears from my eyes. "How do you not fall in love with him?" The tears begin flowing just as quickly as they had ceased….."I don't not fall in love with him. I don't not fall in love with him a lot!"

Add to this, Lake's mom is all of a sudden leaving often for unexplained errands. As suddenly as things seemed to be falling in place, everything has fallen apart.

I can't tell you how much I loved this story. I connected so deeply with Lake and Will. I adored the little brothers, Caulder and Kel, and Lake's mom too (even though I was a little angry with her for some things). My heart was pulled in lots of different directions. The reason Lake and Will must stay apart is not Will's fault, but you can't help but blame and get mad at him for his actions. Even when you know you shouldn't. Lake writes and recites a poem and you're right there cheering her on. I know I'm being vague, but I seriously don't want to spoil this for any who haven't read it. This story pulls on all your heart strings! There's also a fair amount of humor in this story that lifts the mood in just the right places.

This was such a heartwarming story! I read the sequel straight after because I didn't want to let these character go! Don't let the fact that this is a self-published novel fool you. This was a truly amazing debut for Colleen Hoover. I'll definitely be reading whatever she writes next.

Slammed is a book that has been making waves on GoodReads – big waves, popular waves, amazing waves! Waves that have words floating in them like original and heart-breaking and tear-jerker and romantic and deep and thought-provoking. Waves that, quite unfortunately, led me believe that at least some of these qualities, if not all, would be present in Slammed. Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed by the story I found within the covers of this ever-sRating: 2.5 Stars

Slammed is a book that has been making waves on GoodReads – big waves, popular waves, amazing waves! Waves that have words floating in them like original and heart-breaking and tear-jerker and romantic and deep and thought-provoking. Waves that, quite unfortunately, led me believe that at least some of these qualities, if not all, would be present in Slammed. Needless to say, I was terribly disappointed by the story I found within the covers of this ever-so-popular novel and Slammed failed to make me join its wave of ardent supporters.

First and foremost, I need to give credit where credit is due. I knew absolutely nothing about slam poetry before I read Colleen Hoover’s debut novel, so she gets immediate props for incorporating a rich, unique, and original idea into this tale. Unfortunately, that’s where the originality comes to an end. Slammed starts off with Layken (Lake) moving to Michigan after the sudden death of her father and, like so many female protagonists these days, she immediately meets a dashing young man – Will. Will is twenty-one, handsome, sweet, and Layken is half in love with him the first time they meet. After the second chapter, where Layken and Will go on – what I must admit – is a rather amazing first date, Layken couldn’t be more excited to have moved to Michigan. That’s when things begin to go downhill. Enter the classic obstacle: forbidden love. Layken and Will quickly realize that they can’t be together (view spoiler)[ because Will is actually Layken’s poetry teacher and he didn’t realize she was still in high school (hide spoiler)] and Layken’s life is turned upside down, for the second time in a matter of months. If Layken’s growing attraction to her off-the-limits neighbor isn’t enough on her plate, her brother and Will’s brother are best friends (making Will rather unavoidable), her father’s death still hangs over her like the plague, and her mother just may be hiding away the biggest secret of all.

Slammed had an immense amount of potential – potential that could have been changed into a truly fantastic story – if only this had been further edited, poked, and prodded before going into publication. I had a problem with Slammed from the very beginning because Will and Lake’s love story was simply too unbelievable. I definitely believe that two people can have a connection when they meet – one that makes them want to go on a date although they’ve only known each other for hours. I can also believe that a first date may go so splendidly that you end up really liking the person. What I can’t believe is that after a first date you find it physically painful to have to stay away from a person because you’ve already fallen in love with them. Yes, it is probably hard to distance yourself, but Will and Lake had so much passion and steam and lust between them that it felt as if they had known each other for years, not days. It felt far too unrealistic to me. Furthermore, since this entire romance was practically the plot for the whole story, I was constantly reminded about the implausibility of their depth of feelings for each other. I suppose for a serial drama this would suffice, but not for a contemporary romance novel. If Will and Layken’s love story had been better developed and had more than two chapters devoted to it, I would have definitely liked this book a lot better than I did.

That being said, Slammed did have a lot of ideas working for it:- Tragic Pasts. Nearly every single YA character has some type of tragic or traumatic past, but I felt as if Will, Layken, and Eddie’s past traumas were very realistically portrayed. Eddie, for those of you who haven’t read Slammed yet, is Layken’s best friend and perhaps my favorite character in the story. She, in my opinion, has suffered through so much more than the other characters and yet she still manages to face her life with spunk, happiness, and joy. Furthermore, I loved the little life lessons sprinkled throughout the unfolding of this story – lessons learned from Will, from Layken, and from their interactions with one another. It was sweet and added an informative element to the story that only made it better. - Relationships. I don’t mean romantic relationships, because you all know how I felt about that one. I’m talking about the relationship Will and Layken had with their younger brothers. I too have a younger brother and can speak from experience and aver that it was very realistic and heart-warming. I also loved how Layken’s relationship with her mother unfolded and progressed. Although I found it a tad bit unrealistic while I read it at first, it grew on me and I realized that if I found out something that traumatic about my own mother, I would probably react in a similar manner – denial. So, all in all, the non-romantic relationships were deep, thoughtful, and provocatively written.

This brings me to my next point – a negative one mind you – about originality. I already said that Hoover incorporated an original idea of slam poetry into this story and I truly enjoyed that, but either than that, this story was shockingly lacking uniqueness. Will and Layken’s relationship played out like a typical forbidden romance plays out – aka an endless game of making out and then walking away and then talking and then making out and then walking away again. It was frustrating and honestly, I wasn’t very invested into their story. I liked Layken and Will as individual characters and I liked them as friends, but somehow when they were together as a couple, I never really saw what was so amazing about the two of them. Furthermore, just when I felt like I was about to give Layken a high-five for moving on, something always happened to make her go back or re-question her decision or something! There was no closure until the end and although the ending was dripping, diabetically, insanely sweet and cute, I felt as if I was choking on endless spoonfuls of cliché. Speaking of clichés, the manner in which Layken’s mother’s secret was handled was also immensely cliché. In fact, it felt as if half the scenes came straight out of the movie Stepmom and all the truly heart-wrenching aspects of this type of a relationship and situation were taken out and replaced by another sickly sweet epilogue. I admire Hoover for tackling on such an important and serious event and I commend her for putting together so much tragedy and pain into one story, but at the end of the day, it just didn’t work. Slammed would probably be better suited as a movie rather than a book because all the details I wanted, the thoughtful insights I yearned to glean, and the provocative ideas that were supposed to be floating in my mind all night never came. Instead, I was just given a giant dose of romance – which wasn’t bad, but I was expecting a lot more.

Slammed is the perfect book if you’re looking for a light, easy, and albeit dramatic read. It’s a quick page turner, it keeps your interest, but it never made me shed a tear. It also never inspired any true emotion in me except for laughter in certain parts and ended up being a lot more vapid than I originally anticipated. For such a popular book, Slammed has a strangely cliché and unoriginal story. Will I be continuing with this series? Yes, because there’s only one more book and as much as I didn’t like this one, I’m hoping the second one will be better. Plus, there’s something almost cathartic about slam poetry – I’m slowly starting to love it. If you pick up Slammed for any reason, pick it up for the poetry. That, more than anything else in the book, is truly worth the hype. ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>...more

Lisa TaylorKeertana wrote: "Oh, really? I'll check out Hopeless then if you weren't as impressed with this but were really impressed with that one. Thanks, Lisa!Keertana wrote: "Oh, really? I'll check out Hopeless then if you weren't as impressed with this but were really impressed with that one. Thanks, Lisa! :)"

Holy hell. I read this in 6 hours. I don't even remember if I fed the kids dinner or who put them to bed. This book deserves a lot more than 5 stars. I don't even remember the last book I read that sucked me in like "Slammed" did. Colleen - you have a way with words & story telling. It is glaringly obvious why this was picked up by S&S. Beautiful story, amazing poetry, characters I want to know in real life...I can't say enough good things. You have a gift. I would read the phone book ofHoly hell. I read this in 6 hours. I don't even remember if I fed the kids dinner or who put them to bed. This book deserves a lot more than 5 stars. I don't even remember the last book I read that sucked me in like "Slammed" did. Colleen - you have a way with words & story telling. It is glaringly obvious why this was picked up by S&S. Beautiful story, amazing poetry, characters I want to know in real life...I can't say enough good things. You have a gift. I would read the phone book of you wrote it....more

What an interesting dilemma this book put me in. On one hand, I should be a responsible reviewer and review this book objectively, pointing out the flaws, the inconsistencies, the problems…

SCREW THAT.

This book gripped my heart and swept me up in a whirlwind of emotion. Yes, I’m going cheesy here. I don’t care. It’s my review and it’s going to ooze cheesiness. I cannot help it. You get a cheesy me when I cried for most of a book. You get cheesy me when I go into work late because I had to reapply my makeup. You get cheesy me when I was so moved that I had to STOP thinking about the book at work for fear I’d tear up again. The book moved me. Because it moved me in such a strong manner, it deserves a high rating. I know I’m a crybaby and can cry over any sad scene but this book moved me, it wasn’t just sad scenes. Whether it hit the right spot just for me, or it will have the same effect on other people, I don’t know. I’m just telling you- it moved me.

This book is not your normal story. It’s like a snapshot of a small portion of a Layken’s life. It’s not intended to tell the story of Layken or even go in-depth over any of Layken’s problems. As a reader, you get to peak into a small part of Layken. While it is a small part, it is full of pain, heartache, discovery, laughter, and growth. I loved this. You are literally dropped into the problem, and once the problem is resolved, you are dropped out of it (the end). You wonder, well what now? That feeling of unanswered questions made me realize how quickly I fell into Layken’s life. I craved more. That doesn’t mean I wasn’t satisfied with what I got. It doesn’t mean I didn’t think the little taste of Layken’s life wasn’t amazing, it just means I want more.

Layken and Will and “the brothers” were amazing. The banter, the emotions, the problems, was so heartbreakingly real that I could read page after page of interaction between the four of them. Add in a mother with a very profound secret, a twist that puts a wall up between Layken & Will, some well-developed minor characters, and you then have one new fan of Colleen Hoover- ME!...more

2.5 stars A lot of potential, but I think this one tried to tackle too many issues without exploring any one of them with enough depth and focus for my taste. And please, if you have a character who is a teacher, let's have him know how to conjugate the word "lie" correctly!

Still, with more editing and thematic/character development, I think this author might have interesting things to offer in the future. Definitely interested in seeing what happens with the sequel.

Wendy DarlingI'll definitely let you know when I get around to reading Hopeless. :)

Thanks for the nudge on the Katja Millay--someone had actually recommended it toI'll definitely let you know when I get around to reading Hopeless. :)

Thanks for the nudge on the Katja Millay--someone had actually recommended it to me previously, but I haven't read any real reviews of it yet.

I liked Easy, too! Although I have to say, I reread it when I was sick and it didn't hold up quite as well as I thought it would, but it's still really good. You've read Double Clutch, right? I think that's still my favorite New Adult title....more
Jan 07, 2013 11:51PM

Barbara (VampAngel)NO, I haven't! Excellent. I will definitely go check it out right and I'll definitely read it. Thanks very much for the rec!

Funny about the Easy thingNO, I haven't! Excellent. I will definitely go check it out right and I'll definitely read it. Thanks very much for the rec!

Funny about the Easy thing. I was actually thinking about rereading it soon. I was so in love with it when I read it. I'm sad to think it won't hold up, but not really surprised. The thing about it that I loved so much was the development of the romance. It was so realistic to me, so natural and subtle. I feel in love with Lucas the same way Jackie did. I absolutely HATE insta-love and it seems most books now work that way. I really appreciate a slow burn. I'll reread Easy eventually and I'll be curious to see if still holds up for me. I'll let you know.

The Sea of Tranquility is very good. I was especially impressed since it was a first time author and an indie book. I'd never have guessed it if I didn't know. It was just that good....more
Jan 08, 2013 12:05AM

This book was awful. Utterly horribly, sadistically, terrible! I can't believe I tortured myself with this and actually enjoyed it! What's wrong with me? Oh, I know, I love to read, and books like this are WHY I love to read. Pretty much every heart string I have was not tugged, but aggressively yanked, until I couldn't help the hicuppy sobs that were escaping me.

Lake is an 18 year old girl who along with her 9 year old brother are abruptly uprooted from her comfy home in TX when their father dThis book was awful. Utterly horribly, sadistically, terrible! I can't believe I tortured myself with this and actually enjoyed it! What's wrong with me? Oh, I know, I love to read, and books like this are WHY I love to read. Pretty much every heart string I have was not tugged, but aggressively yanked, until I couldn't help the hicuppy sobs that were escaping me.

Lake is an 18 year old girl who along with her 9 year old brother are abruptly uprooted from her comfy home in TX when their father dies of a sudden heart attack. Without much of an explanation, other than she was offered a better paying job in MI, Lake's mom treks her and Kel, across the country. When they arrive at their new home in MI, Lake's life is once again uprooted when she meets Will, their new neighbor, and one after another, bombs of unwelcome surprises continue to go off around her, shattering her entire life as she knew and wanted it to be.

Ok, I tried... but that synopsis didn't even come close to touching on the emotional roller coaster that is Slammed. These characters are so well fleshed out, and so likable, you actually feel like your sitting along side Lake and Will as they're in the club listening to Slam poetry. The poetry is like a character onto itself... The author did an amazing job creating a character driven book filled with such a complicated plot. She "showed" me everything that was happening to these people, instead of "telling" me in some monotonous, boring detail that Lake was feeling sad about what was happening to her relationship with her mother, brother, new best friend, and Will. I felt Lake's pain. I had the puffy eyes to prove it!

As to why this book was so terrible??? I had tears in my eyes for the entire last 45% of the book. No joke, no exaggeration... I had a hard time reading because everything was swimming around in my pathetic tears.

I really wouldn't change anything about this book. Only my timing on reading it... I wish I would have held out until next weekend. My husband is going to be gone and I could have cried in peace. Instead I had to try and explain that I couldn't explain why I was bawling like a baby.

*** This was just as good in audio, and just as many tears the second time around. ...more

There’s no way you can convince me that Slammed is Colleen Hoover’s debut novel. Impossible! This book is amazing, incredible and just dripping with emotional power that a rookie author launching this as her first novel is absolutely awe-inspiring. It’s no secret, with the exception of a select few books, I’m slipping away from mainstream fiction. Looking for something creative, unique anRating Clarification 10 Stars

Top Rank for my 2012 Favorite

Push your boundaries…that’s what they’re there for.

There’s no way you can convince me that Slammed is Colleen Hoover’s debut novel. Impossible! This book is amazing, incredible and just dripping with emotional power that a rookie author launching this as her first novel is absolutely awe-inspiring. It’s no secret, with the exception of a select few books, I’m slipping away from mainstream fiction. Looking for something creative, unique and different just doesn’t seem likely with the hugely hyped releases out there as of late. So I’ve resorted to self-published, not so widely known releases to get my fix and Slammed is a perfect reason why.

In this captivating novel, we meet Layken who is forced to move cross country after the death of her dad, so her mom can find some way to survive in the aftermath of his absence. Lake meets Will and these two form a strong connection. They have a few things in common, but most of all they just get each other in all the right ways. Just when the move begins to prove a possibility of new and exciting beginnings, Layken soon finds out that what she hoped for most is the one thing she has the least possibility of obtaining. What ensues is a constant emotional pull in just about every direction imaginable.

I loved.loved.loved Hoover’s writing! I mean to the level where I think I might have a crush on this book. I never thought poetry and heartbreak could be so perfectly blended to send me on an emotional ride that left me absolutely worthless for the hours this book held me captive. I read it from eCover to eCover and was pretty much entranced until I finished this story. Why this book wasn’t picked up by a well known publisher? I have no clue, but I’m glad it’s picking up traction from readers that know gems are among the self-published crowd. Great story!

Quotes I don’t want to forget:

You know a band has true talent when their imperfection define perfection.

Despite my objections I realize, almost pathetically, that I have just experienced the most passionate kiss I’ve her received from a guy - and it was on the freaking forehead!

First, there are few things you'll have to find before you start to read Slammed.

1. Phone number of your favorite pizza place in town. I promise that you will get hungry, especially after one delicious description. 2. Chocolate milk on the ice! 3. Your favorite Johnny Deep movie. 4. Box of paper tissues - you'll be so sappy after few parts. 5. Something to smash against your wall (but make sure it's something you won't miss or cause yelling-fest with your mother)What Glass thought about it...

First, there are few things you'll have to find before you start to read Slammed.

1. Phone number of your favorite pizza place in town. I promise that you will get hungry, especially after one delicious description. 2. Chocolate milk on the ice! 3. Your favorite Johnny Deep movie. 4. Box of paper tissues - you'll be so sappy after few parts. 5. Something to smash against your wall (but make sure it's something you won't miss or cause yelling-fest with your mother) - you'll need it in absence of real thing/person to smack. 6. And finally this - The Avett Brothers. To make it easier for you, we already made playlist on YouTube, so just click on the link below. Yeah, they look weird. Yes, we didn't hear about them before too. We don't like them that much, but The Avett Brothers have some killer lyrics. The Avett Brothers songs mentioned in Slammed

Now that you're prepared, let's get down to business. I've been reading and listening about this book for a while, but what finally made me read it was one of my girlfriend's recommendation and news about Simon and Schuster publishing Slammed.

After first two chapters my reaction was something like this: "Okay, I really don't get all the hype. I'm even pissed off." I tured off my Kindle and went to sleep thinking that I'll probably be The Girl Who Hated It. Next morning I picked it up again. And then I read chapter three. All that gushing, swooning and fangirling became much more clear. Hey, it is every high school girl wet dream! So, I've decided to push my doubts away and give it a shot. I liked it. Kind of.

Slammed is one of those books which I rate with mixed feelings. I love them, but they annoy me. I'll be honest and admit that I wouldn't think twice about it if there weren't a slam poetry. That was original move. Everything else was already seen.

My biggest plus was Lake's best friend, Eddie - she's the most amazing character in the whole book.

Remember that I told you to find something to smash against the wall? You'll need it after you read ending. It was a little bit rushed and over the top - it reminded me on the '90s teen movies. Don't get me wrong - I love those. After all, I am the '90s teen, but it's just that I expected different kind of ending after all of the comments I had read.

In the end, everything comes to this - I had too big expectations and I thought it would be much darker story. It really isn't. Slammed is a big-pink-glasses type of story about life. It will be perfect choice for everyone who enjoyed Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie, Sophie & Carter by Chelsea Fine and Collision Course by S.C. Stephens.

What Tanja thought about it...

I really love my girl Glass and we mostly agree about books but there are some things that we don't agree about. Like for example she always reads blurbs and other reviews and I never do that (especially when like in this case some of my girlfriends recommend me the book). I do understand and know that most of the people do so, but as always I'm not most of the people. I don't read them cause I always create the story in my head and mostly end up disappointed cause it's not as good, only some manage to really surprise me. I can't give you good advise what to do, cause you know the best.

First thing is sure - I really loved this book. From the beginning. Even though some thing were so predictable like this love between main characters but let's be real and say that most of the book start this way. What I like is that this story is unpredictable at some point, you could guess that something bad would happen but not what exactly. I also love how people learn about life and death in this book and mostly how they use slam for that. Beside main characters I love Eddie and Nick, this guy Nick had me in stitches few times. I actually agree with Glass here about the end. I expected something totally different after I saw that there was the sequel, but anyway I didn't mind it so much. The thing I like the most are feelings in this book. I could use few paragraphs to explain them but someone smarter than me wrote this:[image error]

There is nothing else to add. I loved this book and I can't wait to read the sequel.

Until the next time,Glass & Tanychy

*NOTE: Copy of this book is kindly provided by publisher, Simon & Schuster, via NetGalley. We're not paid for writing this review - we do it as lovers of written word. All opinions in this review are personal....more

It started like a normal YA romance; girl meets boy, girl gets annoyed by too-forward boy but couldn't stop being all, omg-he's-so-adorbs! In a span of a week, these two creatures found themselves surrounded by floating hearts, y'all. And then, the unsuspecting plot twist came and shot every floating hearts over their heads. How rude.

If you can get past the mild cheddah in the beginning, you'll end up wondering why this book never made it to your Kindle earlier. This turned out to be one of thoIt started like a normal YA romance; girl meets boy, girl gets annoyed by too-forward boy but couldn't stop being all, omg-he's-so-adorbs! In a span of a week, these two creatures found themselves surrounded by floating hearts, y'all. And then, the unsuspecting plot twist came and shot every floating hearts over their heads. How rude.

If you can get past the mild cheddah in the beginning, you'll end up wondering why this book never made it to your Kindle earlier. This turned out to be one of those, omg! Is that the time? How have I read this book in a little less than three hours?! And something else...how did the author manage to make this insta-love romance endearing and not at all annoying?

My eyes are burning and I'm fighting off the urge to tape my lids open.

I should've downloaded the second part of this series right away because, heck, I didn't get much sleeping done after reading Slammed anyway. It was addictive and had the annoying ability to make you think long after you're done reading. And if that's not what will keep you awake, it'll be the heavy pressure on your chest that will not dissipate as fast as you want it to.

The beginning was a lot of telling but as the story progressed, I found myself ignoring it - distracted by the fantastic plotline, beautiful poetry, humorous scenarios and dialogues and lovely, well fleshed out characters. And dear God. Did this book make me cry. A lot.

OMG!!! Hoover, this was amazing!!! Absolutely fantastic!!! I. Love. Will Cooper!!!!!!!! Holy crap, so glad I read this book!!!

~Full Review Coming Soon~

“So you keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake.”

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.!!! There's not a lot to say about it. I can't form coherent thoughts when it comes to Slammed. I loved everything about it. I've heard so much about this series, all the hype from so many friends. I was always curious what was special about it. But holy damn, after I finished HopelOMG!!! Hoover, this was amazing!!! Absolutely fantastic!!! I. Love. Will Cooper!!!!!!!! Holy crap, so glad I read this book!!!

~Full Review Coming Soon~

“So you keep your ocean, I'll take the Lake.”

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.!!! There's not a lot to say about it. I can't form coherent thoughts when it comes to Slammed. I loved everything about it. I've heard so much about this series, all the hype from so many friends. I was always curious what was special about it. But holy damn, after I finished Hopeless, I knew I would love this book. Hoover's writing is so captivating. So entrancing. She really reels you in from the beginning, making you experience everything the characters experience. I'll admit, when I first started it, I was still in a book funk from Hopeless...afraid that I would never connect with Lake and Will. Only seeing Holder and Sky. But it quickly changed, like really quick. I still love Holder and Sky just as much but in the moment of reading this, I was sucked into Lake and Will's world. Oh what a shitty, emotional world they were living in. So sad.

The characters were AMAZING. All of them. I loved them so much. Lake. Will. Caulder, Kel. Julia. Eddie. Gavin. Everyone. They each played amazing roles in this story. They felt real and I cried for all the shit they had to go through. There were some sweet moments, some sad moments, alot of funny moments, ALOT of teary moments, and even MORE swoony moments. This book really broke my heart. It mended pieces of my soul. It made me believe in love. It made me think of death. It made me think of life. It made me love Will. Will. Will. Will. Will.

Okay, so Will Cooper is a fucking poet. Really??? He does "slam" poetry every Thursaday night at Club N9NE. Really? Holy shit. That alone is hotter than shit! He's 21 and does poetry? Damn, sign me up!!!!! So I don't want to go into too much detail. But I will say, Will and Lake go through shit after shit after shit to be together. They overcome some unbearable obstacles to get to their happy ending. I admire Lake for the girl she is and becomes. She's extremely strong for everything she faces. Sometimes life gives you a fucked up hand and she handles it pretty great, with a lot of grace. I've been in a similar situation she was in and I did not handle it as well as she did. I commend her for being so brave and courageous. I also commend Will for being her rock. He really picks her up when she's down. Omg, Will also has been dealt a shitty hand. Almost as bad as Lake...well I'd say yes, as bad. But together they face all the hardships that are thrown at them and they embrace it. Together they face the hardest life any young couple should have to face. I love them. And I'll never forget them or their story.

Lake's Slam:

I got schooled this year by a Boy. a boy that I'm seriously, deeply, madly, incredibly, and undeniably in love with. And he taught me the most important thing of all ... To put the emphasis On life.

Here's my Slam:

I read a book,In just one day.I've never felt,So many damn emotions all at once.When I put it down,I couldn't stop thinking about them.I picked it back up and got sucked back in.They really taught me a lot about life,And how life sometimes sucks.But not to let it win.It will make you cry,It will make you laugh,It will make you wish you never lived.But that is just part of livingIt's inevitable, we die.And that's the worst part.But this book really made me feel I could survive anything.I loved everything about it;The writing,The characters,The way everyone stuck together.Even in hard times, life will bring you down.Get the fuck back up and punch it in the face.Fight it, tell it to fuck off.Don't let it win.Don't let it win.I will read this book, Over and over again.And every time I read it,I will always remember, that life sucks.But I can survive it,Because we all have to struggle to survive.We all have to overcome our fears.We all have to experience the good, the bad, and the ugly.But that is life,I won't let it win.So thank you Colleen, for writing this masterpieceI'll never forget it.Ever.

Of course it is imperfect but borrowing the author's words-"its imperfections define perfection".The book is quite different from the usual books I like to read.The first few pages give a glimpse of the life of a recently-turned-to-18 year old girl whose whole world twists around the axis when her father dies and then she has to move to Michigan with her mom and younger brother.

Enters Will-your everyday normal boy next door.At this point,not being a bI can not stop myself from giving it 5 stars.

Of course it is imperfect but borrowing the author's words-"its imperfections define perfection".The book is quite different from the usual books I like to read.The first few pages give a glimpse of the life of a recently-turned-to-18 year old girl whose whole world twists around the axis when her father dies and then she has to move to Michigan with her mom and younger brother.

Enters Will-your everyday normal boy next door.At this point,not being a big fan of the YA genre,I thought it must be the same old boring flowery romance like others.But the book completely took me by surprise.I was prepared to give this book 2 or 3 stars....

But then Will takes Layken to slam.I did not know what to expect till the girl walks up on stage and delivers 'BLUE SWEATER'.

I was hooked,captivated,enraptured, by the power of words.By such deceptively simple words having the power of grabbing your soul.

After that Will delivers his poem 'DEATH',and the simple high school romance turned to something different.Something raw and jagged and powerful.

This book does not put an emphasis on death,exploiting the readers emotionally,but emphasizes life.

I loved Eddie and lord knows I loved 'PINK BALLOON'.And I specifically loved the pink balloon with DAD written on it.I loved Gavin and his 'PRE-POPOSAL'.And I really loved Will.I loved 'SCHOOLED' although honestly I do not know why that moved be so much.

So all in all this really is a wonderfully (flawed) book.And poetry before this for me was all about big words and rhyme and a really wonderful topic which would appeal to everyone.It was about points.This book made me realize that "poetry is not about points,the point is poetry."

“There are three questions every woman should be able to answer yes to before they commit to a man. If you answer no to any of the three questions, run like hell."[...]"Does he treat you with respect at all times? That's the first question. The second question is, if he is the exact same person twenty years from now that he is today, would you still want to marry him? And finally, does he inspire to be a better person? You find someone you can answer yes to all three, then you've found a good man.”
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